The 12th National Assembly elections, despite absence of a few political parties including BNP, have witnessed a 41.8 percent voter turnout.
The Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal said this during a press conference held at the Election Commission office in the capital on Monday.
He said, “Out of the 298 parliamentary seats for which results have been received, the ruling Awami League secured a substantial victory, winning 223 seats. Other notable victories include Langal symbol with 11 seats, Workers Party 1, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal 1, Kallyan Party 1, and independent candidates secured 61 seats collectively. The percentage of votes cast is 41.8 percent.”
“There were a total of 1960 contestants and 4,99,55,445 crore people exercised their right to vote,” he added.
The Chief Election Commissioner assured that anyone aggrieved by the results has until January 30 to approach the courts. Additionally, a re-polling of a closed centre in Mymensingh-3 is scheduled for January 13.
The CEC has also said that the Japanese observation team has expressed their satisfaction with the election process.
Although some people raised questions about the percentage of votes cast, the CEC explained the matter to the journalists.
He said that earlier the EC had given the information and it was reported till two o'clock in the afternoon. However, analyzing the final results of 298 centres, the total voter turnout was found to be 41.8 percent.
However, CEC on Sunday told reporters that around 40 percent of votes were cast across the country.
CEC said that journalists have collected information in 299 constituencies. “We have also observed the voting process and the results. We also visited several centres. No serious incidents of violence occurred. A candidate’s candidature was cancelled before the end of the election. There were
reports of arson in some polling stations. We took quick measures.”
CEC also said, “The good news is that during the election there was no loss of life due to any violence in this election. Although attempts were made to rig votes in some centres, they were prevented. Polling had to be suspended in some centres due to allegations of serious irregularities.”
